To all those who live in L.B

[ched53]

Hi there, my name is Aaron - a 22 year old graphic designer from England.

I just wondered, with L.B being such an exclusive wealthy area, would I be right in thinking that most of its residents are of the older generation and there kids (up to high school age).

From the outside looking in, id presume that people around my age would have to move out of L.B to start a living of their own....or am I wrong? id like to think there are plenty of people 20-26 who reside in Laguna Beach.

As someone who is at a point in their life asking themself do I want to experience a different lifestyle for a while before I settle down with a house + mortage etc.., Id like to know what would it be like for someone my age to live in L.B

all replies are much appreciated

[Jojo]

Ched53 -

Based on the 2000 US Census Data, the largest age group residing in Laguna Beach is between 45 and 64. However, the next biggest age group in Laguna Beach is between 25 and 44. And, this group misses out on the #1 spot by just a few hundred people. :confused:

Whether or not you can 'make it' in Laguna Beach really boils down to this: How much money will you earn versus your total expenses. If you find it's just too expensive, you can always consider residing in these more affordable cities: Costa Mesa, Laguna Woods and/or Laguna Niguel.

Good luck! :cool:

[ched53]

Thank you for your reply JoJo,

I supposed my decision of where to live if I came over would completely depend on whether or not I could get a job within the area. As a graphic designer, is there many oppotunities to work in L.B??

For those who just work more 'run-of-the-mill' jobs such as working in a bar, or a shop would you say they commute from outside Laguna beach?? Do you have to be wealthy to reside there?

Im eager to be able to get away and experience a bit of life elsewhere...on my own. L.B seems perfect to me.

[Will]

Ched53,

I'm 25 years old and a fellow Englishman. I own my own two-bedroom flat near Oxford. I visited Laguna Beach for two weeks last month on holiday. There's no way I could afford to own a house in Laguna Beach - the house prices are double those of Oxford (and Oxford is one of the more expensive parts of the UK).

Renting is another option, but I'm guessing the amount you'd pay in rent would be equally vast.

Therefore, unless you're a highly successful graphic designer earning about £50,000 per year, I think you'd struggle to live in Laguna Beach.

Don't let that put you off though. My friend (who came on holiday with me) is now dating a girl/woman he met out in Laguna Beach. She's 33 years old, very intelligent, very attractive, and clearly has a lot going for her. She can't afford to live in Laguna Beach so she lives in Laguna Niguel. It's just a few miles from Laguna, so it still allows her to enjoy all that Laguna has to offer (the beaches, restaurants, night life, etc).

Perhaps that is something that you could consider instead.

[ched53]

Hey, thanks for the reply Will, good to hear from someone English who has experienced things out their all be it just for a holiday. So did you enjoy it?

Basically my story is that Its occured to me in the last year that I dont want to let life pass me by at home. I live in Lincolnshire and I dont want to get to my mid 20's (when I may well have worries such as a house, bill, wife/gf etc..) and realise that I never took the chances to experience a bit of life elsewhere.

I would not be looking to buy, id be looking to rent for sure - and hope to find some sort of a job (not specifically graphic design at first). Are prices better out where your friends girlfriend lives??

from what you saw, would it be easy enough for an English Guy to yet a job out there??

[Will]

Firstly, you'd need a Visa (or Green Card, or whatever they call them in the States) to work over there. I'm not sure how it works exactly, but that's something you'd definitely need to look into.

Getting a job out there will be tough. A lot of people who live in Laguna Beach work in a city called Irvine. I suggest looking for work there, as the commute to Los Angeles (or San Diego) is probably too far. You'd need to think about transport too - can you drive? Would you be able to afford to buy a car? Relying on public transport isn't too wise - Laguna Beach isn't the best when it comes to public transport! We hired a Jeep for two weeks, which was great, but not suitable if you're out there for a long period of time, because it'd cost a bomb.

Rent will be cheaper in Laguna Niguel than Laguna Beach, for sure. I'm not sure of the exact prices - I suggest doing a quick search of Google, or perhaps someone else on the boards can help give you a rough estimate.

I totally agree with you that it makes sense to "live life" for a few years before you settle down with things like a mortgage and kids to worry about. I went to Uni, got a job, then bought a house just a year later. I missed out on the whole travelling thing, so I can see where you're coming from. If I had my time again, and if I had been single at the time (or going out with someone willing to move out there with me), I'd have tried to move to the States, at least temporarily. Getting an American girlfriend would make things a lot easier :)

As for my holiday, it was amazing. Are you on Facebook? Perhaps you could add me, then you'll see my photos. If you want to do so, feel free to e-mail me: will1982c@yahoo.co.uk - be sure to tell me who you are!

Good luck.